Perfectly Baked Salmon
This easy baked salmon recipe results in tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a delicious lemon-herb butter sauce. It's quick to prepare and makes a healthy, flavorful dinner in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Bowl
- Basting Brush
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- ➤ Preheat Oven:Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and quickly once it's in the oven. Meanwhile, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- ➤ Prepare the Salmon:Take your salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) and pat them dry using paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture from the fillets, allowing them to bake to a nice, crispy finish.Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping or crowded. This allows each fillet to cook evenly.Drizzle each fillet with about 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, using a basting brush or your hands to evenly spread it across both sides of the fillets.Season both sides of the salmon with salt and freshly ground pepper. Be generous, as this will enhance the flavor of the fish.
- ➤ Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir the ingredients until they are well mixed.This garlic herb butter is key to infusing the salmon with rich, savory flavors and helps keep the fish moist during baking.Using a basting brush, generously coat the top of each salmon fillet with the garlic herb butter mixture. Be sure to get a nice, even coating on all the fillets, as this will form a flavorful crust as it bakes.
- ➤ Add Lemon Slices:Take 1 lemon and thinly slice it into rounds. Carefully place 1 or 2 lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. The lemon will release its juices while baking, giving the salmon a fresh, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the butter.You can also squeeze a bit of the lemon juice over the salmon before baking for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
- ➤ Bake the Salmon:Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the middle rack to ensure even heat distribution.Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Keep an eye on the salmon as it bakes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the salmon.Another way to test doneness is to gently press the salmon with a fork. If the flesh flakes easily and is opaque in color, it’s ready.
- ➤ Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):If you prefer a crispy top, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will give the salmon a slightly browned, crispy crust. Keep a close eye on it during this step to prevent burning. The garlic butter and lemon will caramelize beautifully under the broiler.
- ➤ Serve:Once the salmon is done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist and tender.Garnish the salmon with extra fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
For an extra crispy top, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.